Head of Private Client
Location: North Yorkshire (multiple locations)
Salary: £50,000 – £65,000 + benefits
Contract: Full-time, permanent
QED Legal is recruiting on behalf of a well-established and highly regarded North Yorkshire law firm seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Private Client / Wills & Probate to lead a thriving Private Client department across multiple offices.
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Private Client Solicitor or experienced department manager seeking a prominent leadership role within a respected regional practice known for its strong community presence, loyal client base, and supportive culture.
The successful candidate will oversee a team of fee earners across multiple offices, taking responsibility for the strategic direction, performance, and continued growth of the department.
The successful candidate will balance technical excellence with operational management and commercial awareness. The role will involve overseeing the department whilst maintaining a reduced caseload and avoiding becoming too heavily involved in day-to-day fee earning responsibilities.

• Oversee a varied caseload of Private Client matters including Wills, Probate, Estate Administration, LPAs, and Court of Protection work.
• Provide expert legal advice in line with current legislation and regulatory standards.
• Supervise and support fee earners, maintaining high standards of legal drafting, technical accuracy, and client care.
• Ensure sensitive matters are handled with empathy, professionalism, and discretion.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of solicitors and support staff across 3 offices.
• Conduct salary reviews, probation meetings, performance management discussions, and wider people management responsibilities.
• Set departmental objectives and monitor performance against targets and KPIs.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.

• Ensure effective file management, billing, and financial control across the department.
• Implement and improve processes to enhance efficiency and client service delivery.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider firm to deliver a seamless client experience.

• Support the continued growth and strategic development of the department.
• Build and maintain strong relationships within the local community and referral network.
• Identify opportunities for new services and revenue growth.
• Demonstrate strong commercial awareness whilst maintaining exceptional client care standards.

• Qualified Solicitor or Legal Executive in England & Wales with a minimum of 5+ years’ PQE within Private Client / Wills & Probate.
• Strong technical expertise across a broad range of Private Client matters.
• Previous supervisory or team management experience within a legal environment.
• Experience handling sensitive client matters with empathy and professionalism.

• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Confidence handling difficult conversations and performance-related discussions.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to contribute to departmental growth.
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

QED Legal’s client is a respected regional law firm with deep community roots and an excellent reputation across North Yorkshire. The client base is predominantly made up of local families, elderly clients, and younger homeowners planning for the future.
Much of the work is highly relationship-driven and often involves supporting clients through significant life events and sensitive personal matters, making empathy and approachability essential.
The successful candidate will join one of the friendliest and most collaborative teams in the region, offering a supportive culture alongside genuine long-term career prospects.

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Senior leadership opportunity with genuine influence
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Established and respected regional client base
• Strong work-life balance and team culture

For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Eoghan Routledge of QED Legal Recruitment.